FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beth Cline
(703) 432-1165
Nearly $5 Million Raised for Charity Through 2004 Marine Corps Marathon
QUANTICO, Va. - (March 7, 2005) - More than 1,400 charity runners raised
over $4.9 million for both local and national causes through participation
in the October 2004 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
"The Marine Corps Marathon offers charities and runners a participatory and
active fundraiser to help their cause, beyond the traditional methods of
monetary donations," said Lindsey Johnson with National Student
Partnerships.
"Runners become motivated by a cause that helps propel them on through
every aching muscle and every long mile. This type of fundraising makes
helping others a personal goal for our runners and inspires them to reach
the finish line," Johnson added.
Launched in 1998, the MCM Charity Partner Program has provided an annual
platform for organizations to develop a unique fundraising opportunity
incorporating training, generating donations, community building and event
participation. In seven years, these partnerships have generated over $32
million dollars. Charities use guaranteed spots in the always sold-out
event to raise funds for their causes. Runners register to participate in
the marathon through a charity, receive a race entry and fund raise, often
participating in an accompanying training program.
"Enabling participants to dedicate their run to generating funds for a
charitable cause and helping find new cures is a wonderful element of the
Marine Corps Marathon," said Rick Nealis, Race Director.
In 2003, the Marine Corps Marathon received the USA Track & Field (USATF)
Charitable Race of the Year award in recognition of the charity partner
program.
"Since 1999, St. Jude Heroes program has raised more than $2 million
through the marathon program and has touched hundreds of lives as we
continue to our goal of finding cures and saving children," said Carrie
Denning, Associate Regional Director for St. Jude's Children's Research
Hospital.
The MCM charity partners have already begun recruiting for the 2005
marathon program. Training programs begin in the spring. Visit
www.marinemarathon.com for a list of causes and charity partners participating
in 2005.
The Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication,
sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian
and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly
earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 30th Marine
Corps Marathon will be held on October 30, 2005. Rolling registration
begins on April 6, 2005 at midnight EST on www.marinemarathon.com.
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